interfere
UK[ˌɪntəˈfɪə(r)]US[ˌɪntərˈfɪr]
v
to involve yourself in a situation when your involvement is not wanted or is not helpful
v
(physics) to combine in a way that causes unwanted signals or reduced effectiveness
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
fere
inter
between, among
fere
to strike, to carry
Etymology
The verb "interfere" entered English in the late 15th century from Old French s'entreferir, meaning "to strike each other". This Old French term was built from Latin elements: the prefix inter- ("between") and the verb ferīre ("to strike"). The original literal sense was "to strike or dash against," describing a physical clash. Over time, the meaning broadened metaphorically from a physical collision to any kind of meddlesome or obstructive intervention, where one force or person "strikes between" others. The scientific sense, describing the interaction of waves or signals, developed in the 17th century, retaining the core idea of things coming "between" each other to create an effect.
Analysis
Structure: inter (between, among) + fere (to strike, to carry)
- inter: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "between, among".
- fere: From Latin ferīre, meaning "to strike, to hit". Related to the root found in words like "friction".
Examples
I wish you wouldn't interfere in matters you don't understand.
The government is reluctant to interfere in the affairs of private companies.
The two radio signals interfere with each other, causing static.